EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa has said that she has been taken “out of context” after being heavily criticised online for appearing to make a controversial and “disrespectful” comment at the British Soap Awards.

Viewers at home watching the 2018 awards ceremony had slammed the actress, who exited her role as Lauren Branning earlier this year, as a clip went viral in which she said to Lacey Turner about Hollyoaks: “I think they all self-harm on that show.”

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So did anyone else see Jacqueline Jossa say âI think they all self harm on that showâ đł #SoapAwards

This moment came as Hollyoaks actors were celebrating their win in the Best Storyline category for Lily Drinkwell/McQueen’s (Lauren McQueen) self-harm storyline â which came out ahead of EastEnders‘ ‘Karma for Max Branning’ nomination.

You can take a look at the moment below:

After receiving backlash, Jacqueline wrote to clarify what happened via Instagram Stories.

“Just to clear things up, Lacey asked me what the storyline was, as we couldn’t hear,” she recalled.

“I answered with, I’m not actually sure, ‘I think they all self-harmed on that show’. I didn’t watch the show, I only went from the clip I saw previous, which involved three girls on a bed.

“I haven’t watched the show recently so don’t actually know, but always love it and wasn’t discrediting. I was literally answering what the storyline was.

“I know that self-harm isn’t a joke, obviously, and love any soap that tackles hard stories. It’s been taken out of context! Jake Wood’s story involved self-harm too. I wasn’t hating, I was answering a question. Sorry for [the] offence!!”

Prior to Jacqueline’s statement, here were some of the critical posts a number of Twitter users made:

Considering Jacqueline Jossa is a parent Iâm so so shocked that sheâd say such a thing about such a important topic that Hollyoaks addressed so well!!#SoapAwards

#soapawards honestly got no respect for jacqueline jossa now. Seems like a back handed, sore loser comment. I respect that people have opinions but for the sake of being respectful just keep it quiet. The look on her face just proves it wasn’t a joke. Cancelled.